SERVICEMAN

Under minimal supervision, performs a variety of skilled tasks involving manual labor and the use of hand and mechanical tools and equipment to provide a high level of proficiency in the maintenance, repair, construction and servicing of District grounds and properties. Operates and/or performs maintenance on a variety of light and heavy vehicles and other motorized or mechanical equipment, such as trucks, tractors, bulldozers, riding mowers, salt spreaders, trailers, and other devices. As a leader, provides instruction, guidance and direction as needed. Demonstrates the safe and effective use of vehicles and equipment to others. Transports heavy equipment and vehicles. Positions are various locations in Cook County. This is a full-time Local 700 Union position.

Typical Duties

Operates and performs maintenance on a variety of equipment including, but not limited to vehicles (i.e., air brake-enabled trucks, pick-up and dump trucks equipped with trailers); small, mechanized equipment (i.e., riding mowers, line trimmers, brush-cutters, chain and pole saws, snow blowers, leaf blowers, salt spreaders, water pump tanks); and heavy equipment (i.e., skid-steers with various attachments, front-end loaders, and tractors) and other various equipment.

Repairs potholes and broken asphalt/concrete surfaces with crack sealant, cold patch and hot material using asphalt hot box, tar kettle, heat lance, vibratory roller or walk-behind plate tamper and shovels; as well as repair of trails/walkways using stone screening and gravel.

Performs grass-cutting and brush/tree trimming assignments using various equipment including, but not limited to tractors with attachments such as bush-hogs, sickle bar and snorkel, triplexes, riding mowers, hand-held trimmers, push mowers and saws and chipper.

Performs snow removal and de-icing operations in parking lots, walkways, nature centers, campgrounds, recreational and other District facilities, and other areas as needed using snowplows, snow blowers and brushes, scrapers, shovels, salt spreaders, brine, and calcium salt applicators.

Installs/removes signs, posts and fencing using various equipment such as, but not limited to post pounders, skid-steer, hand-held augers, shovels, drills, and other hand tools.

Performs trail maintenance such as minor pavement and culvert repairs, branch/tree removal, mowing, trimming and leaf/debris blowing.

Assists in suppression of wildfires using water packs, pumper truck and other hand tools.

Assists and/or direction to visitors and volunteers of the preserves. Removes graffiti on District property with graffiti blaster, pressure washers, graffiti removal products, and/or by painting over.

Assists with tasks related to the installation of plant beds and/or turf repair using landscaping equipment such as skid steer, grapple hook, sod-cutter, seeder, aerator, and edger.

Performs garbage and illegal fly-dump removal assignments on District property and along roadsides that are adjacent to District property with the combined use of garbage, dump and/or pick-up trucks, as well as arrow boards, depending on task.

Transports/delivers supplies, office furniture, event equipment, fleet trucks and equipment; includes the use of air brake dump, lift-gate, or pick-up trucks as well as in combination with various electric- or air brake trailers in order to transport properly.

Performs manual labor using hand or power tools.

Performs minor welding repairs on equipment.

Instructs and/or directs others in team projects.

Builds, repairs, transports, and places picnic tables.

Performs janitorial duties and other housekeeping duties, as assigned.

Responsible for maintenance and upkeep of equipment, job site and other areas.

Assists with the painting and deployment of garbage receptables.

Prepares and maintains supplies, tools, and equipment inventories through written and/or electronic means.

Assists with dispatch of resources and daily/seasonal inspection of assigned fleet and facilities; creates work orders via NetFacilities.

Maintains work log records manually and/or electronically.

Exercises judgment, skill, and discretion in the performance of duties and problem solving.

Minimum Qualifications

Must possess a high school diploma, GED, or higher.

Must possess at least four years of full-time professional work experience in the field of landscape, sanitation, construction, pavement/sewer repair work, and/or fleet operations.

Must possess a current valid Class B or higher Commercial Driver’s License with an Air Brake endorsement.

Preferred Qualifications

Possession of at least one year experience driving trucks with trailers, garbage trucks and/or plow vehicles; OR Possession of a valid chainsaw Feller I certification; OR Possession of a valid Illinois Pesticide Operators License; OR Possession of at least one season of work experience with the Forest Preserves of Cook County; OR at least one season of work experience as a Conservation Corp Crew member; OR at least one season of work experience on property of the Forest Preserves District of Cook County with partners such as the Chicago Zoological Society, Chicago Botanic Garden, Greencorps Chicago; OR at least one season of work experience with other partners such as, Friends of the Forest Preserves or the Student Conservation Association.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

Skill in the safe and effective use and application of a wide variety of tools and equipment as characterized herein and/or applicable to area of assignment.

Ability to communicate effectively with the general public and represent the District in a professional manner.

Ability to perform skilled and other specialized maintenance, diagnose and repair of a variety of motorized vehicles and equipment.

Proficient in the proper use and applications of fuels, electric/battery charging, propane, and fleet fluids.

Must maintain the required certifications and licenses for this position as a condition of continued employment; as well as obtain any additional certifications and licenses deemed appropriate by the District for this position, which include 1st Aid/CPR and Defensive Driving.

Skill in the operation of vehicles and equipment as required of the position.

Ability to follow instructions and communicate effectively.

Ability to explain and demonstrate the effective use of methods and techniques to others.

Ability to learn and apply new methods and techniques relative to servicing and operating equipment.

Ability to lead and/or direct others.

Ability to maintain written or electronic files and records.

Ability to learn new application techniques in lawn care and forestry.

Ability to perform manual labor in connection with assigned duties.

Skill in transporting of vehicles and equipment.

Skill in the use and application of chemicals used in maintaining District property. Ability and willingness to work in an outdoor environment, including but not limited to exposure to natural elements, inclement weather, hazardous plants, and animals.

Ability to engage in various types of physical exertion including, but not limited to, climbing, lifting, pulling, pushing, and moving objects of moderate to heavy weight.

This position may require the employee to work out of various locations and various shifts temporarily to facilitate District operations.

The duties listed are not set forth for purposes of limiting the assignment of work. They are not to be construed as a complete list of the many duties normally to be performed under a job title or those to be performed temporarily outside an employee's normal line of work.

Veteran’s Preference

When applying for employment with the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, preference is given in the application process to honorably discharged Veterans who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States for more than 180 consecutive days or during War Time. To take advantage of this preference, a Veteran must:

Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

Identify themselves as a Veteran on their employment application by answering Yes to the question “Are you a military veteran?”

Attach a copy of their DD 214, DD 215, or NGB 22 (Notice of Separation) at the time of application by uploading it as part of your application. If there are multiple DD 214s, DD 215s, or NGB 22s, the one with the most recent date should be submitted. Coast Guard members must submit a certified copy of the military separation from either the Department of Transportation (before 911) or the Department of Homeland Security (after 911).

Provide original applicable discharge papers at time of interview.

Benefits Package

Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage

Basic Term Life Insurance

Pension Plan and Deferred Compensation Program

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Holidays, Vacation, and Sick Time

You May Qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF)

For further information on our excellent benefits package, please click on the following link:

http://www.cookcountyrisk.com/

General District Employment Requirements

PROOF OF EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES WILL BE REQUIRED.

MUST BE A RESIDENT OF COOK COUNTY OR ESTABLISH RESIDENCY IN COOK COUNTY WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF EMPLOYMENT AND REMAIN A RESIDENT AT ALL TIMES DURING EMPLOYMENT WITH THE DISTRICT.

MUST BE FULLY VACCINATED AT THE TIME OF HIRE OR SUBMIT A REQUEST FOR A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION WITHIN ONE WEEK OF START DATE.

The Forest Preserve District of Cook County is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of income, housing status, or gender identity. We value our employees and the different talents, expertise, and viewpoints that each bring to the table. We believe a robust exchange of ideas results in better decision-making and we commit to providing a constructive, safe, and positive work atmosphere that promotes mutual respect and empowers individuals to thrive in their jobs.